For the most part, spring training results don't matter. A player could go hitless in their first 16 at-bats in the exhibition games, only to turn around and win MVP, as Mookie Betts did in 2018. This is especially true for most of the 2025 Atlanta Braves, as there were very few spots up for grab when camp began.
However, through the first 14 games of spring training, there have been a few Braves who have certainly played their way onto the 26-man Opening Day roster, and a few who have seemingly played their way off of it.
2 Braves who have played their way onto the Opening Day roster
Eli White
Coming into camp, there was one additional spot for a position player, after factoring in the backup catcher spot, the backup infielder spot, and the backup outfielder spot that was all but certainly going to Bryan De La Cruz.
This put Eli White in a tough spot, as he was out of options and didn't seem like he had the same positional flexibility as someone like Luke Williams. That is, until the Braves decided to try him out in the infield.
Since then, not only has he shown that he's fully capable of handling a middle infield spot in a pinch, he's also hit very well. In eight games, the 30-year-old has slashed .500 /.563/.714
Drake Baldwin
A week ago, it would not have been hyperbole to say that even if the Braves top prospect, Drake Baldwin, could hit 1.000 this spring, it would not be shocking if he didn't make the Opening Day roster. After all, with Sean Murphy projected to see the bulk of the catching duties, it only seemed right to make sure the soon-to-be 24-year-old would get as many at bats as possible.
Now, however, with Sean Murphy out for at least the first week of the regular season, it would be surprising if Baldwin didn't make the cut. The lefty-swinging catcher has slashed .333/.455/.389 this spring, showing a great eye at the plate.
Even if his first cup of coffee with the Braves is only for the duration Murphy is out for, his play this spring will likely make the Braves less motivated to find a short-term replacement, and his optionability after he is added to the 40-man roster gives the club more flexibility than they would hve if they opted for other in-house options like Sandy Leon or Curt Casali.
2 Braves who have played their way off of the Opening Day roster
Luke Williams
Before spring training began, Luke Williams seemed to have the upperhand for the final spot on the 26-man roster simply because of positional flexibility. The 28-year-old has played every position but catcher in his MLB career, and also offers above-average speed.
However, between Eli White showing he can handle the infield and Williams going 1-19 in his first eight games of the spring, it seems more than likely that the Braves will go with White over Williams.
Daysbel Hernandez
Last year, Daysbel Hernandez's biggest crime was simply having options. Despite pitching well at the major league level, he spent the majority of the season in Gwinnett because Braves bullpen was full of relievers who couldn't be sent down. (Even Dylan Lee, who was one of the club's best relievers in 2024 was victim to having options at one point.)
This spring, it's starting to look like things might go down the same road again. Hernandez hasn't been as bad as his 8.31 ERA would suggest, but with the Braves hoarding so many veteran relievers and Hernandez having options, it the club might decide to send him down in the name of depth.
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